Kakashi found himself caught between Root and the Third Hokage. Although he couldn't find any direct evidence, their responses gave him a strong hint.
Both the Third Hokage and high-ranking officials in Root were wary of the Uchiha clan and supported the experiments on the Sharingan. With his understanding of politics, Kakashi realized they might have silently allowed these secretive experiments.
Kakashi's most significant difference was his profound appreciation for his comrades. He inherited his father's spirit, viewing his comrades as his life. For him, the village was important, and from Rin's perspective, Kakashi displayed a heroic nature.
Even though Rin chose to sacrifice herself, did Kakashi regret it? His deepest remorse was not being able to protect his comrades. He wished he had been the one to die instead.
Yet heroes always have their limits, and they would never compromise beyond that. This was the difference between a hero and a warlord. Both White Fang and Kakashi were heroes of the Leaf Village.
Kakashi understood the First Hokage's experiments Wood Release, as they involved Lady Tsunade and the High Level Officials are all Second Hokage's disciples. The disciples were like father and son, and outsiders couldn't judge this matter, especially since Orochimaru also sought to control the awakened Wood Release.
But what about the Sharingan? If the Uchiha clan had agreed to it openly, it would be different. However, this experiment was done secretly from the start, indicating that the high-ranking officials in the Third Hokage's administration never truly considered the Uchiha clan as part of the village. This allowed them to act recklessly.
In the Uchiha Clan's territory:
Under the bright sunlight, Uchiha Yoru was teaching Uchiha Itachi in the courtyard. Unbeknownst to him, Kakashi was investigating Yoru's intentions.
Yoru never told lies, but his preconceived notions triggered a different reaction in Kakashi.
In Kakashi's mind, the Uchiha clan already knew about these matters and endured them for the sake of the village. They chose to bear the burden silently for the village's greater good. However, the high-ranking officials' indifferent attitude was something Kakashi couldn't tolerate.
If the Third Hokage and Danzo had spoken openly about this matter from the beginning, the effect would have been different. Kakashi might have felt stifled and resentful, but he would have accepted it, knowing it was for the village's safety. After all, the power of the Nine-Tails' Sharingan was truly fearsome.
Human hearts were difficult to understand. Preconceptions could alter a person's decisions.
"Yoru-niisan, isn't being a shinobi about unlocking the body's potential to gain power? Why do you mention restraint?" Six-year-old Uchiha Itachi's thoughts were different from his peers, showing his maturity.
Smiling, Yoru nodded, "You are right, Itachi. Shinobi gain powerful abilities by unlocking their body's potential, but you should know that the body has its limits."
"For example, age imposes limitations. Your body is still growing, and if you push too hard to unlock your potential, you may gain power now but suffer permanent consequences in the future."
Yoru intentionally acted concerned, causing Itachi to furrow his brows skeptically, sensing that Yoru might be hiding something.
Curiosity arises when a woman becomes curious about a man, and the same applies to Itachi. Making him curious and eager to uncover the truth could reduce the effectiveness of brainwashing and reveal some secrets during training with Shisui.
Investigating and getting an answer from someone directly versus deducing it oneself are two different approaches when it comes to understanding human hearts.
"Itachi, you are still young. If it were wartime, I would allow you to unlock your full potential at any cost, regardless of the consequences."
Yoru appeared as a responsible teacher, smiling with care, "But now the village is at peace, with only minor disturbances at the borders. You don't need to go to war yet, Itachi. What you should focus on is having a complete childhood."
A complete childhood might be possible for others, but not for Itachi. His birth in the Uchiha clan and his exceptional talent destined him for a different path, carrying immense responsibilities.
"Itachi, for now, my plan for you is to show restraint in chakra usage and excavation. Don't push yourself too hard. Focus on your shurikenjutsu, where you show exceptional talent, and practice controlling your chakra. Don't force yourself prematurely."
Yoru genuinely cared, as he wanted Itachi to have a chance for a relatively normal childhood. He knew that the Uchiha and the high-ranking officials would eventually clash, and he needed Itachi to be strong to protect the family.
Power is limited for a single individual. He can only survive by making the Uchiha clan stronger together.
Looking through the window, Uchiha Mikoto smiled tenderly as she watched her youngest son, Itachi, who had just started walking, while her husband, Fugaku, wore an emotionless face, gazing outside. They knew the choices they had to make for their sons.
~~~
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